Influenza wave arrives in Galicia earlier than expected, ‘unusual beginning’

The data corresponding to consultations, emergency treatments and hospitalizations in the Galician health network are indisputable. Influenza is already starting to appear in what experts are describing as an ‘early’ epidemic wave And beyond what it shows … calendar. Following the emergence of the virus in the statistics maintained by Selgas, the department headed by Antonio Gómez Caamaño warned yesterday that this “extraordinary outbreak” is real, despite the current low strength of the virus. This is clear from the activity report posted on the ministry’s website yesterday, which focuses on the spread of acute respiratory infections in the first weeks of November. Specifically, from the 3rd to the 9th of this month. They have already detected a growing trend, coupled with what is happening in the remaining communities of northern Spainthe photography is virtually the same. Data show that influenza A virus positivity is predominant and positivity rates are increasing, although rates remain low. Influenza A viruses typically affect older people and therefore lead to increased hospitalizations. Regarding this early debut, ministry officials acknowledged that this was an unexpected communication due to its timing.

The disaggregated data they manage analyzes everything from primary care consultations to hospitalizations when complications occur. This monitoring reveals: Influenza consultation rates in Galicia’s medical centers increased by 64 percent last week compared to the previous week.This means that 43.3 people per 100,000 residents were affected by the virus. The age group with the highest consultation rate is 0 to 4 years old, followed by 5 to 19 years old. In terms of hospitalizations, 182 people with confirmed influenza were admitted to hospital last week, a 23 percent increase from the previous week, when the virus was already beginning to become evident. However, the report specifies: The highest hospitalization rate was in the 80+ age group, with 29 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents. (8% increase from the previous week). Trends also increased by health sector, with influenza hospitalization rates increasing in all health sectors except Ferrol. Global data shows that regarding the entire Galician community: There have been 590 hospitalizations reported so far this influenza season, most of them due to type A viruses.

Considering that influenza has arrived earlier than expected by health authorities, it is advised to protect all risk groups who are most exposed to this type of respiratory infection. Epp said the department is using this opportunity to Don’t forget the importance of vaccination, which “significantly” reduces your risk of getting the flu. And its complications. The campaign has so far vaccinated more than 497,000 people, including 75.6 percent over 80 years old and more than 72,000 children. Starting this week, people aged 60 and older will also be vaccinated. Workers at risk due to occupational exposure, such as essential service personnel and people working in poultry and pig farms, can also request an appointment through the Sergas Móbil app.